Pneumatic actuators, often called air cylinders, are an inexpensive and easy-to-use design choice for many industrial applications that require linear motion. While the technology has been around in nearly its current form for more than half a century, there are some interesting trends and design advances that engineers should be aware of.
Air cylinders have vastly improved sealing technology from models of a generation ago. Both piston seals and rod wiper seals have a new range of different materials - and the extended lifetime that they provide are real game chagers, said Mike Guelker, product manager for pneumatic actuators and air supply products, Festo Corp.
“The different types of operating environments in which these seals can function extend the range of applications,” he said. “This has really opened up new application opportunities with pneumatic actuators. New seal materials can operate in higher and lower temperatures than
